Barnstable Cat Boat Information, Review, Specs

Howard Boats, founded in 1938 by John "Bunny" G. Howard Jr., has a long-standing reputation for its deep respect for maritime heritage, specializing in classic wooden vessels and adapting beloved designs into enduring fiberglass forms. Their manufacturing ethos has always centered on producing comfortable, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing boats that capture the essence of traditional sailing, ensuring that designs like the Barnstable Cat Boat remain cherished for generations.

History and Design

The Barnstable Cat Boat began production in 2000, representing Howard Boats' commitment to making classic designs accessible with modern materials. It is a faithful fiberglass reproduction of the original Beetle Cat, a design by John Beetle first built in 1921. The Beetle Cat itself is an adaptation of the larger Cape Cod Cats and is celebrated as the oldest one-design sailboat in the world still actively produced in wood and raced.

The design philosophy behind the Beetle Cat, and by extension the Barnstable Cat Boat, focuses on simplicity, safety, and a pleasant sailing experience. Its gaff-rigged, single-sail configuration is renowned for being easy to handle, making it a favorite for livery use and teaching new sailors. The large decked area forward is a practical design feature, ensuring that spray falls on deck rather than inside the boat. Howard Boats has maintained the integrity and classic appearance of this design, ensuring the fiberglass version looks and sails exactly like its wooden predecessor.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 12 feet and a waterline length of 11.67 feet, the Barnstable Cat Boat is designed for accessible and enjoyable sailing rather than high-performance racing. Weighing 450 pounds and featuring a centerboard keel with a maximum draft of 2.0 feet (and a minimum draft of 0.5 feet), she offers excellent stability for her size and is well-suited for shallow waters.

The cat rig, characterized by a single sail flown from an unstayed mast positioned far forward, contributes significantly to her docile handling characteristics. Owners and enthusiasts consistently praise the Beetle Cat's, and thus the Barnstable Cat Boat's, forgiving nature. Releasing the tiller will typically cause the boat to head into the wind and nearly stop, a safety feature that makes it ideal for beginners. While primarily designed for light to moderate winds, the boat can be easily reefed to reduce sail area and manage stronger gusts, maintaining a balanced helm. Its hull speed is estimated at 4.58 knots, reflecting its design as a comfortable daysailer rather than a speed demon.

Accommodations and Layout

As a small open daysailer, the Barnstable Cat Boat does not feature extensive interior accommodations. The layout is simple and functional, primarily designed for cockpit comfort and ease of use on the water. The boat typically offers open seating in the cockpit, often with slatted wooden floorboards and thwart seats that provide comfortable spaces for a few passengers.

The construction relies on solid fiberglass for the hull and deck, ensuring durability and low maintenance, consistent with Howard Boats' use of traditional fiberglass methods. Interior finishes, where present, often feature natural wood accents, such as the wooden flooring seen in some models, contributing to its classic aesthetic. Storage is usually limited to under-seat lockers or open compartments, sufficient for day-sailing essentials. Given its open nature, ventilation is naturally abundant.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Barnstable Cat Boat, much like those of its wooden counterpart, the Beetle Cat, consistently express appreciation for its solid construction and timeless appeal. They often praise its inherent stability and forgiving nature, which make it an excellent platform for teaching sailing to children and novices. The boat is frequently chosen by those who value classic lines, traditional sailing experiences, and a low-maintenance fiberglass hull that requires less upkeep than a wooden boat.

A common strength highlighted is the boat's simplicity, which translates to fewer complex systems to maintain and a straightforward sailing experience. While specific online forums dedicated solely to the Barnstable Cat Boat are less prevalent, owners often participate in broader traditional small craft communities or Beetle Cat specific groups, where they share insights and tips. The enduring popularity and continued production attest to a strong satisfaction among owners who appreciate a reliable, aesthetically pleasing boat that connects them to a rich maritime heritage.